The D.O.C. area extends over a very vast territory, from the Ceraino narrowing in the province of Verona, where the Adige river begins its journey towards the plains, to Bolzano. Valdadige has been a historically important connection and area of economic development since Roman times, when two roads were built on the opposite banks of the river, Via Claudia Augusta Padana from Ostiglia, and Via Claudia Augusta Altinate from Altino, near Padua. Barbarian invasions later forced the inhabitants to flee to higher altitudes, where they farmed sheep and used the resources of the woods to survive. Monasteries and dominions shaped the area in the Middle Ages with convents and castles, which contributed to the flourishing farming era, with grapevines playing an important role.
The D.O.C. wines are: Valdadige Bianco, Valdadige Chardonnay, Valdadige Chardonnay frizzante (sparkling), Valdadige Pinot bianco, Valdadige Pinot bianco frizzante (sparkling), Valdadige Pinot grigio, Valdadige rosato (rosé), Valdadige Rosso and Valdadige Schiava.
Valdadige is dotted with numerous castles, monasteries and churches which provide testimony to the extensive cultural wealth of this area. The valley preserves the past in its numerous fortresses and theatres of great battles, such as the battle Napoleon fought against the Austrians in Rivoli in 1797. Fortresses, castles and forts follow the contours of the ridges overlooking the valley and trace the course of history playing host to several armed forces. As many as eight forts were built between 1848 and the end of the century by the Austrians and Italians, which acted as watch outposts overlooking the valley, and have now become an integral and defining part of the landscape.
